Bid to raise funds for Scottish gem

St Conan’s Kirk

One of Scotland’s hidden gems is the remarkable St Conan’s Kirk by Loch Awe in the west of Scotland.

It was built in the early 20th century by the somewhat eccentric Walter Douglas Campbell young brother of the first Lord Blythswood. The story goes that Walter’s mother found the long drive to a church in Dalmally too far for her so he built a church near to his mansion on the island of Innischonam.

The church is a wonderful mix of architectural styles and my photograph shows the cloisters he created as part of the building. Today it is looked after by the trustees and friends of the kirk and they are trying to raise £1m to repair the roof and carry out other important maintenance projects. When I was there in November there was a lot of water on the church floor so it looks like an urgent matter to me.